Safety Systems on Every New Volkswagen
For their day, the original Volkswagen Beetles didn’t have a poor safety record, but Volkswagen is not likely to put the gas tank in front of the cabin again. And the original Type 2 Bus? Well, it didn’t exactly have a front crumple zone, did it? But that was a very different time for the industry. Today, Sisbarro Volkswagen wants you to know that every current model comes with many safety features to help you avoid a collision in the first place and to better survive one after the fact.
As Volkswagen says on its site regarding safety, a lot goes into a VW before you do. Volkswagen may not tout its safety features in all its advertising, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Every model includes a version of IQ.Drive, an array of safety and driver assistance technologies.
To start, every model has a front sonar system. It can detect not only vehicles but also pedestrians, cyclists, and objects in front of you. It is the key sensor for the Front Assist Systems (Forward Collision Warning & Autonomous Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian Monitoring). It is also key to the very useful Adaptive Cruise control, which lets you use the convenience of cruise control not just on the open highway but also on city highways with moderate traffic, where you can easily keep pace while automatically maintaining a proper distance.
There is also a forward-facing camera, a key component of the Lane Assist feature. Lane Assist monitors lane markings on both sides and gently steers the vehicle back into the lane if it drifts outside the lane with no signal engaged. You are expected to keep your hands on the wheel, but it can be particularly useful for those brief moments when you take a drink or briefly turn your attention away from the road.
Volkswagen tries to keep blind spots to a minimum, but recognizes that some areas may still be obscured at a glance. The Blind Spot Monitor alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots with a light on the inside housing of either side mirror. Using the same sensors, Rear Traffic Avoidance is particularly useful in a parking lot with large adjacent vehicles blocking your view. It will give you visual and audio alerts if a vehicle is approaching from either side while Reverse is engaged.
There are stability-enhancing systems, such as Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), which help maintain appropriate stopping power during hard braking. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can adjust engine throttle and apply corrective forces to the wheels that need them most. All Volkswagen vehicles are equipped with a total of six stability-enhancing systems.
A modern VW is likely to look awful after a moderate to severe front or rear collision. That is a good thing, as the front and rear of the vehicle are designed with crumple zones that will do just that: crumple to absorb energy and help distribute forces away from the very rigid laser-welded cabin structure. They may look awful, but a closer look may reveal an intact cabin with doors that still open properly.
After a collision, the vehicle may still be moving, and the driver may be too dazed to react immediately. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help slow the vehicle further after an impact, reducing the risk of additional collisions. In most collisions, the Intelligent Crash Response System will automatically turn off the fuel pump (on gas-powered models), turn on the interior lights, unlock the doors, and activate the hazard lights.
Of course, there are a few items you expect because they are required, such as front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and side curtain airbags to protect the heads of both front and rear occupants in a side collision. ABS keeps the tires from locking up and losing traction. Also found on every model is the rear-view camera system, which displays what is behind you on the center screen the moment Reverse is engaged.
When you are visiting Sisbarro Volkswagen and looking at new models, your attention will likely be on the feel of the seats, the feel of the controls, and, on a test drive, all of the European-derived vehicle dynamics. It is hard to test the safety features, and we would rather you not, but just know that they are always there.
The awards keep on coming for Volkswagen. MotorTrend named the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R their 2026 Car of the Year, while Car and Driver added both of them to this year’s 10Best Cars list.
The accolades continue to roll in for both the 2026 Golf GTI and Golf R, as they were named to Car and Driver’s 2026 Editors’ Choice list. They are also joined by the 2026 Tiguan, making it three Volkswagen models on this esteemed list of the magazine’s best automobiles.
This list is based on Car and Driver’s extensive and exhaustive testing of every vehicle they work with. Based on instrumented testing, the magazine’s editors convene to pore over data and impressions to create a list of 131 of their highest-rated and well-loved vehicles for this roster—that is, 131 vehicles out of 450—across 47 segments.
The criteria they use are based on the editors’ assessment of each 2026 model-year vehicle’s “intended mission” and the value it brings to consumers and enthusiasts. Each vehicle receives a ranking of up to 10 stars. To make the list, they have to earn at least nine of them.
Considering how well the Volkswagen Golf has done with the editors of Car and Driver over the past 50-plus years, it is no surprise that the 2026 Golf GTI and Golf R have made this list. Over eight-and-a-half generations, the groundbreaking hatchback evolved into a pair of sports compact/hot hatch heroes. The benchmark they set over the past 50 years has earned them an international following amongst enthusiasts of all stripes.
The 2026 Golf GTI and Golf R continue this tradition as the “go-to” sports compacts/hot hatches, delivering excitement and precision in two different packages.
While they share the basic EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, their tunes and drivelines deliver distinctive driving experiences for their drivers. The 2026 Golf GTI features a 241-horsepower, front-drive drivetrain that delivers a pure driving experience that engages the driver no matter where they go. The 2026 Golf R does so with a more powerful 328-horsepower unit, coupled with a 4Motion all-wheel-drive system that delivers superb grip for maximum traction.
The best acknowledgement of how the 2026 Tiguan has been elevated is Car and Driver’s inclusion of it on this list. This year, VW doubled down on the power offerings from the same EA888 turbocharged engine. Most models get the 201-horsepower version, delivering efficiency while adding fun along the way. For enthusiastic families looking for more excitement, the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo raises the power band to 268 horsepower for a sporting drive with you and the family or your friends.
All three of these vehicles are the result of the great work Volkswagen has done in producing and offering great experiences. That is why you are invited to answer our call for “Drivers Wanted.”
You can check out all three of these Editors’ Choice winners at Sisbarro Volkswagen. Contact us to find out which winning combination is right for you.
Volkswagen is a brand with a huge Latino following and customer base across the Americas. As popular as they are in Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil, they have found a deeper culture right here across the country.
It comes as no surprise that Puros Autos recognized the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan as the Best SUV in their Latin Flavor Cars of the Year awards.
As the leading automotive source for Latinos in the U.S.A., Puros Autos looks at insights from this influential customer base in terms of purchasing power, marketing efforts, and development strategies to calculate data and determine trends to better serve this demographic.
They cited the 2025 and 2026 Tiguan models, noting improvements over the last generation model in performance, quality, technology, and safety. For one, the interior quality and materials are great to the touch. The controls also follow suit with ease of operation. That includes the steering-stalk-mounted shifter.
This new-generation Tiguan offers the largest screens in the history of the Tiguan. The standard 12.9-inch screen houses connectivity and operational functions that are quickly accessible. The same screen becomes even larger in the new SEL R-Line Turbo, measuring 15 inches. Devices can connect wirelessly quickly and easily.
A unique feature now found on the 2025 and 2026 Tiguan is the Atmospheres mood selector that creates an environment that matches how you’re feeling behind the wheel. The newest Tiguan is also very accommodating, seating up to five people. It can also carry up to 69.6 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats down.
For 2026, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is now available with two power levels. SE, SEL, and SEL R-Line Black models are powered by the 201-horsepower engine, offering both performance and efficiency. The new SEL R-Line Turbo model sees a power bump to 268 horsepower, igniting more excitement into your daily driving. All 2025 and 2026 Tiguan models are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front- or 4Motion all-wheel drive.
This is one of several awards the newest Tiguan has received so far. The recognition of our popular SUV resonates with consumers looking for great value from a vehicle designed and engineered to meet their needs and more. This is why the 2025 and 2026 Tiguan is truly a smart choice.
If the 2025 and 2026 Tiguan is the right SUV for you, contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen to see one soon!
With a debut during that rather popular football game in early February, Volkswagen begins a new chapter of its Drivers Wanted advertising campaign. Sisbarro Volkswagen provides you with the details.
The Drivers Wanted campaign dates back to the late 90s and was created to communicate Volkswagen’s human-centric approach to design, performance, and culture, as well as the distinctive driver-pleasing feel of its models. Today, the campaign, designed by the New York advertising agency Johannes Leonardo, offers a forward-looking invitation, calling on a new generation to say yes to possibility, originality, and optimism by living life in the driver’s seat.
The debut spot, “The Great Invitation,” showcases the brand as a whole. Set to the 1992 hip-hop song “Jump Around” by House of Pain, the spot features a series of invitations, starting with a dog knocking a ball toward its owner as a request to play, followed by a group of people inviting their friend to join them on a trip in their ID. Buzz, a young woman inviting someone inside a VW to join her dancing in the rain; a dust-covered Golf GTI with “call me” scrawled beneath a phone number; the siren call of an ice cream truck prompting spontaneous decisions; and several other instances of someone being encouraged to join in. These moments embody the spirit of saying yes and reaffirm the original campaign’s goal of encouraging young consumers to forge their own paths and shape culture.
Most scenes could be anywhere, but multiple shots of a city, either up close or in the background, reveal the location as Houston, TX. Most of the individuals in the spot are young, as VW aims to capture a new generation of “drivers” with the brand’s long-held belief that driving is about much more than getting from point A to point B.
“Our passion has always been about our cars and our people; our drivers, our dealers, our employees,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “This campaign celebrates that connection and invites everyone to share in the joy of driving a Volkswagen.”
In contrast to the 2024 game-day spot “An American Love Story,” which celebrated 75 years of Volkswagen in the U.S. and showcased models across the decades, “The Great Invitation” focuses on current models in the VW lineup.
“Now is the perfect moment to remind our enthusiasts why they love Volkswagen and to welcome others to join in,” said Rachael Zaluzec, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Brand Marketing, Volkswagen of America. “’Drivers wanted’ is more than a message; it’s an invitation to take the wheel, experience the freedom and fun of the road.”
With only one spot available for viewing at this point, it is difficult to determine where VW will go with this campaign, but we will all be watching. In the meantime, Sisbarro Volkswagen extends its own invitation for you to see and experience the exciting lineup of Volkswagens, from the practical and efficient Taos to the very driver-pleasing Golf GTI to the eye-catching and innovative ID.Buzz, or similarly spacious Atlas.
What if there is a Volkswagen you’ve always wanted, but you can’t afford a new one? Something like a Golf GTI, an Atlas Cross Sport, or something that speaks to your needs, with all the good things that make a Volkswagen one to proudly own. That is why you should consider purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen.
What makes a Volkswagen a Certified Pre-Owned one? A Volkswagen model that is no more than six years old qualifies to become a Certified Pre-Owned model. It starts with a 100+ point Dealer Inspection. Before they are offered at our dealership, each vehicle must undergo a thorough checklist to ensure it meets our standards. Technicians check engine performance, any start-up issues, transmission performance for malfunctions or noise in operation, the proper function of the brakes to ensure adequate stopping distance, the steering system for noise, effort, vibration, and pulling to each side, and update all systems to meet recommended or required maintenance needs.
You also want to know the vehicle’s history before you look at it. That is why we provide you with a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report. This report will show whether the Volkswagen you are considering has been in an accident or where it has been registered. This report alone instills a sense of peace of mind, knowing that this Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen has had a good history worth continuing.
Once you take delivery of your Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen, the Model-Specific Warranty Coverage begins. This extends the vehicle’s standard Comprehensive Limited Warranty based on its model year. A 2019 Volkswagen gets an additional 1-Year or 12,000 miles – whichever comes first – attached to that warranty. Vehicles from 2020 and newer get an additional 2 years and 24,000 miles. Electric vehicles from 2019 and newer get an added 3 years and 36,000 miles on their Comprehensive Limited Warranty.
As an added layer of peace of mind, you also get 2 years of 24-Hour Roadside Assistance included in your Certified Pre-Owned purchase. That includes towing to the nearest Volkswagen dealership, flat-tire changes, and jump-starts.
One perk you will enjoy is getting a three-month trial subscription to the SiriusXM Platinum Plan. If your Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen is equipped with satellite radio, you get over 150 channels available for your listening pleasure. That’s everything from live sports to the latest hits over many genres.
It is not enough that your Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen gets all of this coverage; there is the Sisbarro Certified Pre-Owned Cars Advantage. We add an exclusive Warranty for Life Protection for as long as you own your vehicle, a 3-Day Guarantee, and flexible financing to make it more affordable for you. The best part of purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen is that you get all of the above at a price that is friendlier to your wallet.
To get your own Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen to check out our inventory and find the right one for you.
Safety is important for every vehicle, but the concern goes up a notch or two for vehicles that carry your family. Thus, Sisbarro Volkswagen is proud to announce that the two most family-oriented vehicles in the Volkswagen model line, the 2026 Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport, were each named a TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The TOP SAFETY PICK+ is the highest safety award from IIHS, and these models have received it for the third time since their 2024 redesign. To qualify for the 2025 award, a vehicle must score “Good” (their highest rating) in the Institute’s updated moderate overlap front and side tests, as well as the small overlap front test. This is where only part of the front of the vehicle strikes an immovable object, thus putting far more load on the structure of the impacted side than an impact with the full front end. In addition to being more challenging, this also represents the majority of front-end collisions.
All trims must have standard acceptable or good headlights, and the vehicle must also earn an acceptable or good rating in pedestrian front crash prevention. The 2026 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport come equipped with a standard front crash prevention system that earned an acceptable rating for pedestrian crash prevention and standard LED headlights that received a good (their highest) rating. These headlights also feature the Adaptive Front-lighting System, which swivels with steering input to improve illumination during cornering.
In addition to the advanced chassis and body structure that effectively allows the vehicle to crumple strategically while preserving the cabin, both models benefited from the standard IQ.DRIVE® suite of safety and driver assist features. For example, Front Assist uses ultrasound sensors to help warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and it can sometimes automatically activate braking (Automatic Emergency Braking). It can also identify cyclists or pedestrians traveling alongside or crossing in front of the vehicle. The system warns the driver of potential imminent front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually via a warning symbol in the instrument cluster, when the car is traveling above 18 mph.
If the vehicle is moving under 18 mph and a potential front collision is detected, Automatic Emergency Braking activates immediately without prior acoustic or visual alerts. Additionally, if the driver lightly presses the brake pedal, the system increases the brake pressure.
The system also features Active Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor), Rear Traffic Alert, and driver convenience functions like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume when suitable. Lane Assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, especially useful when the driver temporarily takes their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel, such as when removing a jacket.
It is also worth mentioning that both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport model lines earned an Overall 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is their highest rating. So, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are not only stylish and spacious vehicles for transporting your family, but they also scored the highest safety ratings available from the two most comprehensive testing institutions.
Visit Sisbarro Volkswagen in Las Cruces to test drive either the 3-row Atlas or 2-row Atlas Cross Sport. And bring the family.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Volkswagen GTI, it and the Golf R have been named to Car and Driver’s annual 10Best list. This marks the 20th time the GTI has been on the list since its introduction in 1976.
The Car and Driver 10Best List
The Car and Driver 10Best list is the magazine’s annual selection of the best vehicles driven on the same roads at the same time by the magazine’s journalists. Each car has to be on sale by January of the new year and go up against the previous year’s winners. For 2026, Car and Driver welcomed over 100 vehicles to go head-to-head, including the Volkswagen GTI and Golf R… and only 10 cars and 10 trucks/SUVs can be called the best.
Introducing the 2026 GTI
Volkswagen offers the 2026 GTI to customers at a starting price of $36,320, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a smart, quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In the hands of Car and Driver’s hot shoes, the GTI gets to 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds.
Performance and Practicality Go Hand in Hand
While speed is fun, it’s not the only thing the GTI is known for. As a hatchback that can be used every day, owners will have 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Folding the rear seats down gives you 34.5 cu.ft. of space, which is comparable to a crossover. The EPA estimates that owners can expect 24 mpg in city driving, 32 mpg on the highway, and an average of 27 mpg between both driving cycles.
A Word from Car and Driver
“We’ve always loved the current Volkswagen GTI’s mix of value, practicality, performance, and personality, but it’s the interior improvements that Volkswagen made for 2026 that helped land it a spot on the 10Best list,” said Car and Driver Editor-in-Chief Tony Quiroga. “And, the Golf R’s design looks and is practical, but under that conservative shape is a sports car that’ll rip to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.”
Meet the 2026 Golf R
For those who want more, the Golf R offers the same usability as the GTI, with more power and all-wheel drive. Starting at $50,730, the Golf R also features a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. With its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, Car and Driver achieved 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
Faster Without Compromises
Fear not, though, because all of that power does not mean that you will pay more at the pump, since the EPA says the Golf R will get you 22 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, while averaging 25 mpg between the two.
Adaptive Suspension Damping
One similarity between the two vehicles is the addition of adaptive dampers. They are standard on the Golf R and optional on the GTI, and with them, drivers can custom-tune the ride of their car with 15 different settings.
A Word from Volkswagen
“Golf models have a special place in the hearts of drivers—they’re practical, but they also bring real joy behind the wheel,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America. “The GTI created the hot-hatch legend, and the Golf R shows just how far that idea can go. It’s no surprise these cars keep winning awards and winning over new generations of enthusiasts.”
Sisbarro Volkswagen Has the Right Vehicle for You
When you’re ready for a new or used Volkswagen, there is no place like Sisbarro Volkswagen. With excellent customer service, their knowledgeable sales staff will find you the right vehicle to fit your needs and budget.
Why Choose Sisbarro Volkswagen
Sisbarro Volkswagen is proud to offer the prices and services on new and used Volkswagen models. Our sales team will work to find you the car you want, and our finance department will help you get the best possible price. When it’s time to service your car, our service department will work hard to ensure your car or SUV receives the best care imaginable.
We thank you for trusting us, and we look forward to serving you soon.
A New Review of the Volkswagen Taos SEL 4Motion
Volkswagen gave the Taos a fresh design and new features for the 2025 model year. In the past year, journalists and car buyers alike have all loved what the small crossover has to offer, especially for the price. A new review by CarPro.com highlighted some of what makes the Taos a popular vehicle for buyers of all types.
Pricing and Power
The 2026 Taos starts at $27,975 and is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder that produces 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic gearbox. The Taos comes standard with front-wheel drive but can be optioned with the brilliant world-class 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
Trim Levels and Fuel Efficiency
Buyers can choose from four trim levels: S, SE, SE Black, and SEL. When it comes to fuel economy, every Taos is very efficient, with the EPA estimating that front-wheel-drive models achieve 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, while 4Motion Taos models achieve 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
What CarPro Had to Say
During their drive, CarPro found the Taos very enjoyable and responsive to drive, saying, “The Taos rides and handles very well, quite sporty for a small SUV. Visibility is great, and interior noise is much better than I’ve had with many small SUVs.”
A Stylish Upmarket Exterior
All VW Taos trim levels come standard with LED projector headlights, along with standard LED taillights, with an illuminated VW badge in the middle of the rear hatch. An available light bar for the front bumper grille surround adds a unique, beautiful design element. Buyers can further option an Adaptive Front Lighting System, or AFS. Roof rails are also standard. The Taos comes with wheels from 17 to 19 inches.
A Beautiful Interior with Great Tech
Owners will appreciate that, even though the Taos is a small, economical, and reasonably priced crossover, Volkswagen did not skimp on the luxury fit and finish, so you know you’re in something special. The dashboard features contrasting accent stitching with a floating-style infotainment screen that has an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen for all trim levels. The S trim gets an 8.0-inch Digital Cockpit gauge cluster display, while SE and SEL models get Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display. The SE and SEL models also receive standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Multiple Ways to Charge Your Devices
The interior features don’t stop there, though, as driver and front passenger each get their own USB-C ports in the center stack with another in the center console. Each port can charge up to 45 watts, which should work well with even modern laptops.
The Final Verdict
“Price-wise, it is one of the better buys out there for an all-wheel drive with an extremely long list of standard features and a very nice interior.”
Sisbarro Volkswagen Has What You’re Looking For
Whether you’re looking for a Taos, a GTI, or an Atlas, Sisbarro Volkswagen is where you need to go to get the best deals on new and used Volkswagen vehicles. The helpful sales staff will ensure you get the car you want at the price you need.
Why Choose Sisbarro Volkswagen
Spring is here, and there’s nothing like a new car to bring warmth to your life. Sisbarro Volkswagen is proud to offer the prices and services on new and used Volkswagen models. Our sales team will work to find you the car you want, and our finance department will help you get the best possible price. When it’s time to service your car, our service department will work hard to ensure your car or SUV receives the best care imaginable.
We thank you for trusting us, and we look forward to serving you soon.
Let’s say you have a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and you’ve been given the task to go halfway across the country with some precious cargo – in this case, some beautiful rescue dogs. They are waiting to meet their new forever homes, many states away. Sounds like a great road trip!
This particular 2025 Atlas was part of Operation Frodo, a mission organized by a group of automotive journalists to rescue dogs from a shelter in Omaha and bring them to Portland. These wonderful dogs already have homes waiting for them in the Pacific Northwest. This past December, Volkswagen and Autoblog participated in this great effort in the name of humanity and our best friends.
The 2025 Atlas was an excellent pick for this mission. Its comfortable three-row seating offers ample space, with 153.7 cubic feet of passenger volume. Add a cargo area that offers up to 96.6 cubic feet of space with the second- and third-row seats down. They observed that the cargo space was “exceptional.” They were able to load in two large dog kennels, a set of luggage with food, and supplies for both humans and the dogs. With the massive amount of space inside the Atlas, they would add a third dog carrying case.
Every 2025 – and 2026 – Atlas is powered by a 269-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With 273 pound-feet of torque, it sends power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rescue vehicle’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
Of course, what’s a road trip without some form of entertainment? The 2025 and 2026 Atlas is equipped with a 12-inch center display serving as a hub for connectivity, music playback, and information. In the SEL Premium R-Line, Harman Kardon adds a set of speakers that will fill up the cabin very nicely, along with smartphone connectivity to play your favorite tracks and podcasts. Everyone should be happy – including your pets.
In conclusion, Autoblog said that “as a cross-country cruiser and an unexpected rescue-dog transport, it proved itself capable, comfortable, and quietly impressive. I think the dogs agree.” We agree! It is undoubtedly the right vehicle to carry everyone across the state of New Mexico and into neighboring states as well.
If you and your pets agree that this is the right vehicle for a long journey across the country, contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen to take a look at the 2025 and 2026 Atlas soon! You may want to take it on a long road trip.
The Tiguan compact crossover was completely redesigned for the 2025 model year. In addition to the new exterior, interior, and tech upgrades, a new top trim level was added. It includes the usual added features and upgraded materials, along with a significantly more powerful engine. Cars.com took the top-trim Tiguan for a spin, and Sisbarro Volkswagen summarizes what they found.
Like other Tiguan models, the SEL R-Line has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 under the hood. In this case, it is a very turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That is 67 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque than the rest of the Tiguan line. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels, as all SEL R-Line turbos have all-wheel drive.
Volkswagen thinks of the Tiguan SEL R-Line as a logical next step for GTI owners who need more space. Cars.com is skeptical of that, but they do like the model. They may miss the GTI’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, as they felt the Tiguan’s gear changer lacked the snappy shifts found in the GTI. The power is definitely there, though. “ It moves the Tiguan smartly off the line, helps the SUV merge smoothly into traffic, and never feels like it’s hunting for the right gear to deliver the performance you want.” They just didn’t think the 8-speed downshifted quickly enough to give you the GTI feel, though using the Sport model did improve things.
It should be noted that, almost to a person, car reviewers love the GTI and thus have high expectations for anything considered the next step up. However, if the GTI owners or anyone else wants a nicer interior, the Tiguan SEL R-Line definitely delivers. They will find themselves surrounded by authentic walnut wood, quilted leather seats, and tri-zone climate control (rare for this class). There is a large 15-inch center touchscreen through which they can engage the 12-speaker, 700-watt Harman Kardon audio system. They will also find 30-color ambient lighting and the vehicle’s ability to park itself. Sure, this raises the cost by just under $6K over the SE R-Line, but in the words of Cars.com, “…given everything that comes in the SEL R-Line Turbo, it isn’t much of an increase at all.”
It helps that all this is on the redesigned Tiguan, which provides more space, a nicer dash layout, top-quality materials, and the return of physical buttons on the steering wheel instead of capacitive ones.
Overall, Cars.com states, “The new Tiguan is an outstanding choice if you’re shopping for a compact SUV. It has a fully competitive feature set and an improved multimedia system that Volkswagen has continually made better.” If the higher-powered model falls short of being a Tiguan GTI, that’s OK, as they didn’t call it that. But as they conclude, “As it sits, it’s more satisfying than lesser Tiguans for a reasonable price, and that’s pretty much what it needs to be.”
Visit Sisbarro Volkswagen in Las Cruces to test drive the Tiguan SEL R-Line to get your own opinion of its fun factor.
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